Korean Cities Act on Wallpad Hacking Risk in Older Apartments

A government standard meant to stop wallpad hacking in South Korean apartments applies only to newly approved developments, leaving existing buildings outside its protection. Local governments are now stepping in to close the gap.

The issue dates back to October 2021, when reports revealed that private video from about 400,000 households in 638 complexes had leaked. In response, the land, industry and science ministries revised the home network technical standard on December 31 of that year. It requires the section between the complex server and each unit's home gateway to be separated, physically or logically, from other households. Previously all units shared one network, so a breach of one wallpad could expose an entire complex.

A gap for existing buildings

The revision took effect on July 1, 2022, but it covers only multi-unit housing whose project plan approval was sought after that date. Existing apartments and quasi-residential buildings such as officetels are excluded, and there is no legal duty to follow the standard when replacing installed equipment. A Ministry of Land official said it is currently difficult to make security upgrades mandatory for older apartments. The Korea Internet & Security Agency supported voluntary self-inspections, but compliance was left to each complex.

Seoul and Yongin respond

Seoul amended its apartment management ordinance on March 30 this year. It now requires network separation between households whenever intelligent home network equipment is installed or replaced. Seoul Housing & Communities Corporation falls under the rule, and several older complexes are reportedly weighing compliance for upcoming replacement projects.

Yongin targeted so-called gray-zone complexes, whose construction began between the revision and its enforcement. Since 2022 the city has sent letters to builders asking them to separate complex and household networks, including at Lotte Castle Hive L, Hillstate Monteroy and e-Pyeonhan Sesang Jukjeon Premier Forest. Builders were advised to consult experts, and Gyeonggi Province and Yongin quality inspections check that the plan appears in detailed designs and specifications.

One local official said letters and ordinances have limits and that the central government should pay more attention to residents of older apartments.